German Media: Singapore Prime Minister: "China Can Play a Bigger Role" – U.S. Self-Damages Reputation Over Iran War
As the Iran conflict drives oil prices soaring, multiple Southeast Asian nations are facing fuel shortages. Experts told DW that this has tarnished the image of the United States in the region.
Weeks-long tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran have severely disrupted oil and gas transport through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fuel supply crisis for Southeast Asian governments. Amid growing anxiety across the region, Beijing has stepped in with timely statements.
Last week, Lin Jian, Foreign Ministry spokesperson of China, said during a regular press briefing: "China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to jointly address energy security issues."
The Fuel Crisis Sweeping Asia
Southeast Asian countries have already implemented various fuel-saving and subsidy measures. On March 24, the Philippines declared a national energy emergency, which will last one year, warning that the country's energy supply faces an "imminent danger." Manila had previously shifted government work schedules to four days per week and instructed agencies to conserve energy. The Philippines also provided cash aid to transportation workers, while cautioning that aviation fuel shortages could eventually lead to partial aircraft grounding.
Vietnam has activated its fuel price stabilization fund and instructed airlines to prepare for reduced flights. Importers warned that aviation fuel supplies can only be guaranteed until March.
Indonesia pledged to mitigate some impacts through national budget allocations and increased subsidies.
Thailand is considering new relief measures as surging oil prices severely impact industries such as fishing; crew members reported many fishing vessels might be forced to remain docked.
Even oil- and gas-producing and exporting countries like Malaysia and Brunei are vulnerable to inflation and supply chain disruptions sweeping the region. Malaysia has increased subsidy spending to maintain stable fuel prices.
In addition, Southeast Asian nations are seeking alternative fuel sources outside the Gulf region to meet immediate needs. According to Reuters last week, Asia’s Russian fuel imports in March are expected to hit a record high, with Southeast Asia anticipated to become the largest recipient.
China has called for de-escalation in the Middle East and pledged cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to alleviate energy shortages.
Chin-Hao Huang, Associate Director at the Center for Asia and Globalization at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, told DW that, like Southeast Asian nations, China hopes to quickly reopen the Strait of Hormuz while remaining cautious about direct involvement in the conflict. He noted that Beijing shares common goals with Southeast Asian countries on urging restraint, ceasefire, and dialogue—advocating for peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.
U.S. Actions Unpopular in Southeast Asia
Military interventions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran are deeply unpopular in several Southeast Asian nations, said Dr. Han Enze, Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong. He added, "The continuously rising oil prices across Southeast Asia have further damaged the U.S. image."
Can Southeast Asia Break Free from Gulf Fossil Fuels?
In the long term, this crisis could enhance China’s influence in Southeast Asia. Li Mingjiang, expert at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, told DW that the energy shock has intensified regional concerns over excessive reliance on Middle Eastern oil, thereby boosting interest in renewable energy—where Chinese enterprises are highly competitive.
China is already deeply involved in Southeast Asia’s green transition, with numerous Chinese companies investing in emerging electric vehicle and battery industries across the region. Beijing is also a major investor in hydropower stations and large-scale solar power plants in Southeast Asia, turning the region into both a market for China’s clean technology exports and a production hub for solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles.
"China Can Play a Bigger Role"
On Thursday, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan: "Singapore believes China can play a bigger role in promoting regional prosperity and stability, and China can participate in shaping the transformation of our regional economic structure." He emphasized that today’s world needs strong voices advocating open, rules-based trade systems. He also called for ASEAN and China to cooperate in renewable energy.
If the Iran war ultimately motivates Southeast Asian nations to decisively reduce their dependence on oil and achieve economic diversification, Beijing may not only benefit from the current crisis but also gain strategic advantages from how the region responds to it.
Sources: DW
Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1860989521086656/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.